Winning project at the OICE 2024 Awards “woodworks project” category
In the heart of Valbelluna, the new Feltre High School takes shape as a small valley village, where technological innovation and contemporary design interact with the area’s traditional character.
The complex comprises four buildings linked by an enclosed connecting space, designed to cope with the region’s winter climate. This space houses the agora and the library, forming the beating heart of the school.
Flexibility is one of the key elements of the project. The idea of alternating spaces of different sizes – some open, others enclosed – allows for a versatile teaching approach, capable of adapting to both traditional methods and a collaborative, ‘hands-on’ model. Each space opens up visually onto areas dedicated to socialising, informal activities and quiet study, fostering dynamic and interconnected learning.
At the centre of it all is a large ‘livable’ staircase, designed with steps capable of accommodating the entire school community, whether during major events, at break times or for unstructured educational activities.
The unifying theme is the texture of the wood, which defines the quality of the interior spaces: warm, balanced and capable of bringing the landscape and culture of Valbelluna indoors. This choice also helps to reduce the environmental impact and make the construction process more efficient.
The project aims to enhance the local architectural and landscape heritage, whilst promoting an innovative and sustainable vision of the school of the future, conceived as a dynamic, collaborative and practical learning space.